ASHBURN., Va. (AP) -- Washington Redskins wideout David Patten missed the first two days of training camp while hospitalized with a viral infection.

Patten arrived for camp feeling sick, and he checked into the hospital Monday, when camp opened.

"He's in probably until Thursday, then it will take him a few more days to recover, so we'll just take it as it comes when he gets out," trainer Bubba Tyer said. "We'll give him plenty of time to get his strength back."

Patten had strong headaches and a fever and was diagnosed with viral meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain.

"They don't think it's anything serious," coach Joe Gibbs said.

The receiver joined the Redskins before last season on a $13 million, five-year contract as a free agent from the New England Patriots. He had 22 catches for 217 yards with no touchdowns in nine games for Washington in 2005 before having right knee surgery and going on injured reserve in November.

I had that once. The headaches are so bad, you think you might die. You really can not move, or even breath, without pain. It goes away in about 48 hours but you are out of circulation for about a week really.

Daniel Snyder has defined incompetence, failure and greed to true Washington Redskins fans for over a decade and a half. Stay away from football operations !!!

This effectively ends any argument that the man couldn't even "catch a cold."
As RiC said, it's serious...but not uncommon. People get it, and live to tell about it. This time next week, he'll be back where he started...and ready to get back in shape.

"Sit back and watch the Redskins.
SOMETHING MAGICAL IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!"
JPFair- A fan's fan. RIP, brother